25/09/2024: Council launches new 'Healthy Homes' service to tackle mould in people's homes

Breckland Council has launched a new initiative which aims to help renters and their landlords tackle damp, mould and condensation in homes across Breckland. 

The Breckland Healthy Homes Service is a pilot scheme funded by previous central government and seeks to improve living conditions for the district's tenants and offer extra guidance and resources to support local landlords. 

Breckland Council's Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Sarah Suggitt, commented: "The Breckland Healthy Homes Service is a new approach in our ongoing commitment to ensuring people in Breckland live in safe and healthy homes. Damp, mould and condensation are serious issues that can affect anyone, but we know they pose particular risks to the young, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. By working collectively with landlords, tenants, and our partners, we will together further improve the quality of health and housing across our district." 

Breckland Council officers will be investigating reports of damp and mould in the private rented sector across the district. As part of the new scheme, private rented tenants can borrow 'data loggers' to record humidity levels and other information. This data can be later used to discuss some simple lifestyle changes. Tenants are invited to participate in upcoming clinics to better understand their rights and responsibilities and to receive support in addressing housing concerns. 

Council staff have received specialist training and will be working directly with local landlords to provide advice about their responsibilities and how damp conditions can be avoided in properties. The council team will be able to signpost landlords to potential funding opportunities or further guidance to help make improvements and will be holding a special 'landlord forum' event in the coming weeks to share key information and advice. 

To learn more about the Breckland Healthy Homes Service, request a data logger for your home, or sign up to attend a tenant or landlord event, visitour Damp and Mould pages and complete a Healthy Homes request form.

Case Study - Landlord receives financial penalty for non-compliance in the case of damp and mould! 

A family (mother and her three children) who had lived in their home for 6 years raised concerns regarding damp and mould growth directly to their landlord.  Unfortunately, the landlord didn't respond so they asked the council's Private Sector Housing Team for help. 

The council's officer inspected the home and found that the indoor air quality was hazardous, surfaces were covered in black mould and the bedding, clothes and carpets contained mould spores.  Although there was a PIV (positive input ventilation system) already installed within the property this was ineffective and even the unit had mould growing on it. 

The officer served an Improvement Notice on the landlord, giving them 3 months to carry out a damp survey and to install both an improved extractor fan and insulation.  The landlord did not engage with the council or carry out any works to the flat in the time specified so the council served a civil penalty on the landlord for non-compliance. This resulted in the landlord paying a financial penalty of £16,000.  Thankfully, the family found somewhere else to live and the landlord is now carrying out the required work, which will be checked by the council before anyone else moves in.   

Breckland Council takes reports of damp and mould seriously and will always take action against landlords who do not put in place the required work to improve the health and safety of the tenants of a rented property.  Tenants should approach their landlords initially and give them chance to make improvements before the council can take any action, we can give you support and advice on how to approach your landlord. We recognise that most landlords want the best for their tenants, we encourage any landlord wanting advice on how to tackle damp and mould to contact us.